Avant's big get | Ulta downtown office | CTU walkout

In a big get for the fast-growing online consumer lender, Avant has landed one of America's leading figures on financial regulation, with the appointment of former Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Chairwoman Sheila Bair to its board. Crain's reports.

Ulta opening downtown office

The Bolingbrook-based company's new satellite office at 120 South Riverside Plaza will have space for 100 workers. Ulta says it chose the downtown site for its proximity to public transit and the business community. Read more here.

SEC: Former Navistar CEO covered up failed engine technology

The former chief executive of Navistar International orchestrated a "campaign of deception" to mislead investors, regulators and the public about the Lisle-based truck maker's inability to comply with environmental regulations, according to a new lawsuit filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Crain's reports.

Fast-growing Valence Health loses top exec, lays off workers

The layoffs of 75 workers this week were companywide, and about half of those let go were in Chicago. Despite the move, the Chicago-based company, which helps hospitals manage health plans, continues to grow. Crain's has more.

Shinola sets sights on South Side factory

The eyewear company, known for its built-in-Detroit watches and bicycles, plans to open a Shinola eyewear plant on the South Side of Chicago by 2017, according to the Chicago Tribune.

What to expect from teacher walkout

CPS says rank-and-file teachers won't be disciplined, but also won't be paid for the day. Meanwhile, the district is prepping legal action, possibly for as early as today. The events are expected to culminate around a downtown march during rush hour today. The Associated Press has more.

Boeing takes spare-part making from supplier

Chicago-based Boeing is ending an agreement with one of its largest suppliers, Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, effectively taking away manufacturing of profitable spare parts used in aircraft repairs. Reuters reports.

How State Farm aims to wake up drivers

The Bloomington-based company has received a patent for a system that includes a wearable computing device that could alert sleepy, distracted or drunk drivers, maybe through a poke or vibration. The Tribune reports on privacy concerns and whether the insurer can bring it to market.

Why students are axing Illinois schools from college short lists

Amid stories of furlough days, layoffs and grant money having to be paid back, the Chicago Tribune talks with students who are narrowing their college choices and crossing Illinois schools off their lists because of the state funding crisis.

—Plus, the State Journal-Register finds Illinois has spent more than $900 million in the last six years on late-payment penalties because of the state's chronic inability to pay its bills on time.

Could this car change everything?

After eight years of promotional buildup, Tesla's Elon Musk introduced the Model 3, a new electric car targeting the masses. At $35,000, could this more affordable version tip the world away from gasoline-driven vehicles? Quartz and the New York Times take a look.